Wire for subwoofer hook up

Mark Seaton

WBF Technical Expert (Speaker & Acoustics)
May 21, 2010
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Mark, what is your take on using a resistor in the signal path in order to use the line in on subs?

Usually it would be 2 resistors in the style of an L-Pad to sufficiently attenuate the higher Voltage signal. This is exactly what happens inside the amplifier after the speaker level connections. Doing this externally is not much different, although the manufacturer probably did a little more testing to see what sort of attenuation makes sense with their volume control, gain, and typical input levels. You also would prefer the attenuation done near the amplifier which is one of the benefits to the internal pad.
 

RogerD

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May 23, 2010
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I didn't say it can't work, rather I explained the consequences of such a connection and why I recommend against it. "Completely wrong" might be a little stronger translation that I would have attributed, but I do shake my head when I see such connections when you have a preamplifier output available. It does have a convenient benefit that you typically eliminate possible ground loops, which can save the manufacturer many support calls, and you can give everyone the same, simple, connection/setup procedure.

I think you are much better off with the preamp connection in my experience, especially if your preamp is a dual mono design and has a good grounding scheme.
 

DaveyF

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Jul 31, 2010
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This is from the REL manual: "The high-level, unbalanced, dual-channel (stereo) input is via a Neutrik® Speakon® connector which is connected to the power amplifier’s left and right channel speaker terminals. This has the advantage of ensuring that the REL receives exactly the same signal as the main speakers. This means that the character of the bass from the main system is carried forward into the sub-bass. This is a very important point and together with the REL’s Ac ve Bass Controller (ABC) ensures far superior system integration of the sub-bass with the main system."

I have connected my REL up both ways...from the preamp ( lo level) and from the high level( Neutrik Speakon and at amp terminals). IMHO, there is a clear advantage sonically to the above REL recommendation.Mark, YMMV.
 

RogerD

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This is from the REL manual: "The high-level, unbalanced, dual-channel (stereo) input is via a Neutrik® Speakon® connector which is connected to the power amplifier’s left and right channel speaker terminals. This has the advantage of ensuring that the REL receives exactly the same signal as the main speakers. This means that the character of the bass from the main system is carried forward into the sub-bass. This is a very important point and together with the REL’s Ac ve Bass Controller (ABC) ensures far superior system integration of the sub-bass with the main system."

I have connected my REL up both ways...from the preamp ( lo level) and from the high level( Neutrik Speakon and at amp terminals). IMHO, there is a clear advantage sonically to the above REL recommendation.Mark, YMMV.

DaveyF....Lloyd and I are comparing are Velodyne subs. Maybe the REL is designed to make the connection as recommended. I really don't have experience except with my own system. If it sounds better to you....stick with it.
 

DaveyF

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DaveyF....Lloyd and I are comparing are Velodyne subs. Maybe the REL is designed to make the connection as recommended. I really don't have experience except with my own system. If it sounds better to you....stick with it.

Roger, I thought that Mark was referring to the hook-up protocol in general. Velodyne subs are not designed with the same set up as REL's...no argument there, LOL.
:)
 

garylkoh

WBF Technical Expert (Speakers & Audio Equipment)
Sep 6, 2010
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This is from the REL manual: "The high-level, unbalanced, dual-channel (stereo) input is via a Neutrik® Speakon® connector which is connected to the power amplifier’s left and right channel speaker terminals. This has the advantage of ensuring that the REL receives exactly the same signal as the main speakers. This means that the character of the bass from the main system is carried forward into the sub-bass. This is a very important point and together with the REL’s Ac ve Bass Controller (ABC) ensures far superior system integration of the sub-bass with the main system."

I have connected my REL up both ways...from the preamp ( lo level) and from the high level( Neutrik Speakon and at amp terminals). IMHO, there is a clear advantage sonically to the above REL recommendation.Mark, YMMV.

I agree with REL and highly recommend that Genesis subwoofers and all my Genesis designs with an integrated powered woofer should take the signal from the power amplifier. One simple point of integration and coherence - if you change your power amplifier, then the sound at the loudspeaker should reflect the change in power amplifier - the entire loudspeaker which includes the powered bass. Otherwise, when you upgrade your power amplifier, or change from a tube amp to a solid-state amplifier, the sound of your woofers would not change and would not reflect the upgrade at the midrange/tweeters.

With the Genesis bookshelf loudspeakers, I even provide 'through-put' binding posts to tap signal off to drive the Genesis subwoofers.

Of course, other manufacturers would design their products different.
 

stehno

Well-Known Member
Jul 5, 2014
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Well after me and my brother listened I switched it back to the preamp output . Too much of a loss of bass articulation. I guess there are trade offs,but it sounds wonderful. It would probably work better off the mono blocks,but maybe I'll try it later.

It's after midnight and I listened,I use to think it could get better....not anymore.


If you go with low-level preamp outputs, I suggest you use the exact same model of interconnect as you use elsewhere between components as this is perhaps your best chance to make the integration between the mains and subs as seamless as possible.

Just like garylkoh made mention of the very real differences between amps for the mains and amps for the subs, so too can different mfg'er / technology interconnects.

 

RogerD

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May 23, 2010
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If you go with low-level preamp outputs, I suggest you use the exact same model of interconnect as you use elsewhere between components as this is perhaps your best chance to make the integration between the mains and subs as seamless as possible.

Just like garylkoh made mention of the very real differences between amps for the mains and amps for the subs, so too can different mfg'er / technology interconnects.


Thanks, that would be expensive. I use double shield microphone cable which sounds very neutral.
 

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